understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd How to pronounce understated (audio)
Synonyms of understatednext
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly adverb

Synonyms of understated

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of understated in a Sentence

the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rooms Compared to the vibe in the hotel’s bars and lobby, the rooms are understated and calm with natural colors, herringbone floors, and high ceilings. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 The Duchess of Sussex paired her polished bottoms with a tan, lightweight short-sleeve sweater and added an understated pop of color with purple suede loafers. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 Its understated nature is why the surf town has been beloved by locals for decades. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026 Her glam also offered an understated ’80s homage, with voluminous, sideswept hair, smoky eyes and a glossy lip. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for understated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understated was circa 1909

Rhymes for understated

See All Rhymes for understated

Browse Nearby Words

understate
understated
understatement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

understated

adjective
un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd How to pronounce understated (audio)
: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion

More from Merriam-Webster on understated

Nglish: Translation of understated for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All